Headliners for the week of 19 March, 2018

Turkey (MNN) -- Last week, American Pastor Andrew Brunson was presented with a new indictment in Turkish courts. This time he’s been charged with “leadership in a terrorist organization.” The prosecution team is seeking a possible life sentence. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has condemned the moved and compelled the US government to act. David Curry of Open Doors USA says it’s another ploy by the Turkish government to get the United States to surrender Muslim cleric, Fetullah Gulen:“They’re ratcheting up the pressure and suggesting that this pastor is going to have a very long term in prison. And I think it’s their way of keeping the pressure on the United States government to release this person who they see as a key player in the attempted coup.”In this case, Curry says the very best response we can have as Christians is to pray for Brunson. Ask God to give him strength of faith even in the face of injustice.“There’s not a lot that can be diplomatically done by Christian churches here because we’re talking about a dictator who’s not going to respond to our pleas. And in some cases, in some ways, it may be counterproductive. So we’re going to have to be prayerful about this.”

Call to action

Ask God to protect and strengthen Brunson.

Pray that he would be a witness to the Gospel as he suffers injustice.

Keep up with what's happening in the Persecuted Church so you can pray alongside the news.